PHILADELPHIA (June 20, 2013) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded an $80,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) of Wilmington, Del. to develop an innovative membrane technology that enhances industry’s ability to use green solvents in place of hazardous solvents.

Many chemical-related industries rely on solvents as a processing aid in their manufacturing process, and although solvents are extremely valuable, they can also cause significant problems with their volatility and associated emissions. The technology being developed by CMS would allow industries to use green solvents that are safer for the environment.

“The CMS project is an outstanding example of how a small business is using environmental innovation to benefit public health and environment,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This project will help industries develop an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process.”

The award to CMS is part of EPA's funding of $2 million to 25 small businesses nationwide to develop new environmental technologies that will help protect people’s health and the environment.

Each of the 25 companies will receive EPA funding up to $80,000 to further develop their technology over the next six months. Once the project has been demonstrated to be commercially viable, then companies are eligible to compete for a second phase of funding up to $300,000 to commercialize their technology. To be eligible, a company must be an organized for-profit U.S. business, and have fewer than 500 employees.

EPA’s SBIR program funds innovative research resulting in new commercial products, processes and services that protect the environment, benefit the public, and promote the growth of small businesses. In addition to CMS, this year’s projects focus on drinking water, wastewater, manufacturing, green building, waste monitoring and management, air quality, sustainable use of biomass and homeland security.

EPA announced the SBIR program funds during National Small Business Week (June 17-21, 2013) to highlight some of the innovative research work that small business are doing to protect the environment and benefit the public.